How are you "harvesting" for God's kingdom?
How do you seek to live out your faith?
How might you be a "harvester" today?
“As Jesus looked upon the vast crowds that had followed him, he had compassion upon them and recognized how much they needed spiritual guidance. He sensed an immense opportunity for reaping people for the kingdom of God: "The harvest is great." But the vast number of people ready to be "harvested" for the kingdom required a similarly large number of "harvesters." So, he told his disciples to pray for "the Lord who is in charge of the harvest" to "send more workers into his fields." -Matthew 9:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So, pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." He was not thinking here only of people set aside for full-time, paid Christian service (pastors, missionaries, etc.). Each of us can work in the harvest while earning money as a lawyer, teacher, manager, or administrative assistant. Harvesting includes sharing the good news of Christ with others, when appropriate. But it is far more than this alone. When we live out the values of God's kingdom at work, in the car, at the grocery store, wherever we are, when we treat people with kindness and compassion, when we let the light of Jesus shine through us, then we are one of the "harvesters."
Jesus had compassion on them. The word "compassion" means, literally, to be moved in one's stomach with pity. Do you remember the last time you felt really strong pity?
Ah, there's our need. Our need is to feel compassion because of their need. Our need is to care and love like Jesus did. He was so much a man for others! We need to be honest and admit that compassion does not come naturally to us. It is a work of grace in our hearts and, for that reason, the product not of works, but of prayer.
Jesus has willed that God's miraculous work of harvesting be preceded by prayer. God loves to bless the world. But even more, he loves to bless the world in answer to prayer. It is God's way before he does a great work to pour a Spirit of supplication upon his people so that they plead for the work.
Yes, there is so much more to do. God enables us, his people to bring in a harvest, he pours out a Spirit of prayer upon us. The surest sign that God is about to send power upon us is a great movement of prayer in our midst. Today let's pray for yet more laborers and the ability to send more workers into His fields.
PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, Lord of the harvest, since you first looked upon the crowds who followed you with compassion, you have indeed sent more laborers into your fields, by the millions. And millions upon millions of people have been reaped for your kingdom. Help the workers who are already there to realize their calling as a "harvester" of your kingdom. May we, your people, see the ministries you have given us right where we are. Give your laborers wisdom, so that we might serve you well, reaping a rich harvest for your kingdom. Help us to do your will in the harvesting, In Jesus' name, Amen.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ!
Peace and Blessings,
Valerie+
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